Dallas Cowboys NFL Draft 2024: Picks & Analysis

by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Hey there, Cowboys fans! The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone, and it's time to break down what the Dallas Cowboys did with their picks. Were they home runs? Did they fill the team's needs? Let's dive deep into each selection and see how these new players might impact the upcoming season. We'll give you the lowdown on each pick, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit with America's Team.

Round 1, Pick 24: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

With their first-round pick, the Dallas Cowboys selected Tyler Guyton, an offensive tackle from Oklahoma. This pick immediately addresses a critical need for the Cowboys, who lost veteran tackle Tyron Smith in free agency. Guyton is an intriguing prospect with a ton of upside, but he's also relatively raw, meaning he might need some time to develop before he's a dominant force on the offensive line. Let's break down what Guyton brings to the table.

Guyton's Strengths:

  • Elite Athleticism: For a man his size (6'8", 322 lbs), Guyton moves incredibly well. He's got quick feet, good agility, and the ability to get out in space and make blocks on the move. This athleticism is crucial in today's NFL, where offensive linemen are asked to do more than just maul defenders.
  • Tremendous Upside: Guyton only has one full season of starting experience at Oklahoma, which means he's still learning the nuances of the position. However, his raw talent is undeniable, and with proper coaching, he could develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber player. Think of him as a lump of clay that the Cowboys' coaching staff can mold into something special.
  • Pass Protection Potential: In today's pass-happy NFL, protecting the quarterback is paramount. Guyton has the tools to become an excellent pass protector. He's got long arms, a strong anchor, and the ability to mirror pass rushers. As he refines his technique, he could become a real asset in keeping Dak Prescott upright.

Guyton's Weaknesses:

  • Inexperience: As mentioned earlier, Guyton is still relatively new to the offensive tackle position. He needs to improve his technique, particularly his hand placement and footwork. He also needs to learn how to read defenses and anticipate blitzes.
  • Run Blocking Consistency: While Guyton has the athleticism to be a good run blocker, he needs to be more consistent in this area. He sometimes struggles to generate power at the point of attack, and he needs to improve his ability to drive defenders off the ball.
  • Penalties: Like many young offensive linemen, Guyton tends to commit penalties, particularly false starts and holding calls. He needs to clean up his technique and learn to play with better discipline.

Overall, Tyler Guyton is a high-risk, high-reward pick for the Dallas Cowboys. If he develops as expected, he could be the team's starting left tackle for the next decade. However, if he struggles to improve his technique and consistency, he could end up being a bust. The Cowboys are betting on Guyton's potential, and it will be interesting to see how he develops under the tutelage of their coaching staff.

Round 2, Pick 56: Marshawn Kneeland, DE, Western Michigan

In the second round, the Dallas Cowboys opted for defense, selecting Marshawn Kneeland, a defensive end from Western Michigan. Kneeland is a powerful and aggressive player who excels at setting the edge and stopping the run. He also has some pass-rushing upside, although he's not as polished in this area as some of the other defensive ends in the draft. Let's take a closer look at what Kneeland brings to the Cowboys' defense.

Kneeland's Strengths:

  • Elite Power and Strength: Marshawn is an absolute powerhouse. His strength is immediately apparent on tape, consistently overpowering offensive linemen at the point of attack. He uses his raw power to set the edge against the run, forcing ball carriers back inside.
  • Run-Stopping Prowess: The Dallas Cowboys needed to bolster their run defense, and Kneeland is a perfect fit in that regard. He is an excellent run defender. He's disciplined in his gap control, and he's always looking to make a play.
  • High Motor: Kneeland never gives up on a play. He's constantly hustling and pursuing the ball carrier. This relentless effort is something that coaches love to see, and it's a trait that can't be taught.

Kneeland's Weaknesses:

  • Pass Rush Development: While Kneeland has the potential to be a good pass rusher, he needs to refine his technique. He relies more on his power than his finesse, and he needs to develop more pass-rushing moves. Currently, he isn't viewed as a top-tier pass-rushing threat.
  • Stiffness: Kneeland isn't the most fluid athlete. He can be a bit stiff in his movements, which can limit his ability to change direction quickly. This lack of agility could be a problem against quicker offensive tackles.
  • Limited Sack Production: His sack numbers at Western Michigan weren't eye-popping. This could be a concern for some teams, although the Cowboys are likely betting that he can improve his pass-rushing skills with better coaching.

Marshawn Kneeland is a solid pick for the Dallas Cowboys. He fills a need at defensive end, and he brings a much-needed dose of toughness and physicality to the team's defense. While he may not be an immediate star, he has the potential to develop into a valuable contributor. He's the kind of player who can set the tone for the entire defense with his relentless effort and hard-nosed style of play.

Round 3, Pick 73: Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State

With their third-round pick, the Dallas Cowboys selected Cooper Beebe, an offensive guard from Kansas State. Beebe is a versatile and experienced player who can play multiple positions on the offensive line. He's known for his toughness, intelligence, and reliability. This pick provides the Cowboys with valuable depth and flexibility along the interior of their offensive line.

Beebe's Strengths:

  • Versatility: One of Beebe's biggest strengths is his versatility. He has experience playing both guard and tackle, and he could even play center in a pinch. This versatility gives the Cowboys options and allows them to use him in a variety of different roles.
  • Intelligence and Technique: Beebe is a smart and technically sound player. He understands blocking schemes and he's always in the right position. He also has excellent hand placement and footwork.
  • Toughness and Grit: Beebe is a tough and gritty player who never backs down from a challenge. He's always willing to do the dirty work, and he's the kind of player who inspires his teammates.

Beebe's Weaknesses:

  • Athleticism: Beebe isn't the most athletic offensive lineman. He lacks the elite quickness and agility of some of the other guards in the draft. This could limit his effectiveness against quicker defensive tackles.
  • Length: Beebe doesn't have great length for an offensive lineman. This could be a problem against longer defensive linemen who can keep him at arm's length.
  • Pass Protection: While Beebe is a solid pass protector, he's not elite in this area. He can sometimes struggle against quicker pass rushers.

Cooper Beebe is a safe and reliable pick for the Dallas Cowboys. He may not have the upside of some of the other offensive linemen in the draft, but he's a player who you can count on to do his job. He's a valuable addition to the team's offensive line, and he could be a starter for many years to come. He's the kind of player who brings a blue-collar mentality to the game, and he's someone who the Cowboys' coaching staff will appreciate.

Rounds 4-7: Other Draft Picks

Of course, the draft doesn't end after the third round! The Dallas Cowboys made several more selections in the later rounds, hoping to find some hidden gems. Here's a quick rundown:

  • Round 4, Pick 124: Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest: A physical cornerback with good size and tackling ability. He'll compete for a role on special teams and as a backup corner.
  • Round 5, Pick 174: Marist Liufau, LB, Notre Dame: A fast and athletic linebacker with good coverage skills. He could be a valuable special teams player and a potential future starter.
  • Round 6, Pick 216: Caden McDonaId, WR, Washington: A tall and speedy receiver with good hands. He'll have a chance to make the team as a deep threat.
  • Round 7, Pick 233: Justin Rogers, DT, Auburn: A massive defensive tackle with good run-stopping ability. He'll compete for a roster spot as a rotational player.

These late-round picks are all about finding value and potential. The Dallas Cowboys are hoping that at least a few of these players will develop into contributors on the team. It's always exciting to see which late-round picks will surprise everyone and become stars.

Overall Draft Grade

So, how did the Dallas Cowboys do in the 2024 NFL Draft overall? It's tough to give a definitive grade right away, as it takes time to see how these players develop. However, based on the team's needs and the talent they acquired, I'd give them a B+. They addressed their biggest need with the Tyler Guyton pick, and they added some solid players at other positions. While there were no truly flashy picks, the Cowboys made some smart and practical selections that should improve the team in the short and long term.

What do you think, Cowboys fans? Let me know in the comments below!